In light of the Amazon fires, how can we protect and grow Ireland’s native woodlands?

With all the uproar about the Amazon fires and the destruction they are causing the planet’s precious lungs, we’ve been thinking about our local forests and how we can promote and protect their growth.

‘Ireland’s Ancient Woodlands are those that have been in continuous existence since at least 1650 – this means that they predate most imports of trees and are directly descended from the primaeval forests that once covered almost all of Ireland.’

‘They are the most biodiverse habitats we have and are often home to rare and unusual species.’

Pic: Shutterstock

Our history is intertwined with native trees too as he explained: ‘They also are a connection to an almost forgotten aspect of our culture.’

‘Trees and woods were a significant part of Gaelic culture – with even our native Ogham alphabet having its letters twinned with the different trees of the forest.’

‘Our trees were valued – with some of the earliest tree protection laws in the world were written into the Irish 8th century Laws of the Neighbourhood.’

Ireland’s landscape was once blanketed with native woodlands but as agriculture spread, forested areas diminished and now it’s time for all of us to do our bit to bring back tree laden horizons.

412 native trees will be planted following Coca-Cola’s Melodic Wood area at All Together Now. Pic: Anthony Woods.

Trees clean our air and while we’re individually quite helpless when it comes to saving the Amazon, we can take action locally and plant trees in our gardens that will clean pollutants out of the air we breathe.

Big brands are getting involved with reforestation in Ireland with Coca-Cola donating €10,300 towards the commissioning of 412 native trees to be planted in Co. Waterford, following the success of their Coca-Cola Melodic Wood area at All Together Now festival.

A donation Jim Lawlor from the Native Woodland Trust T was ‘delighted’ about as it will help ‘the biodiversity of the area’ as the trees not only clean air for humans but also support a huge amount of wildlife.

The Coca-Cola Melodic Wood area at All Together Now led to the Native Woodlands Trust receiving €10,300 . Photo by Anthony Woods

As well as reducing stress, studies have shown that areas with more trees even have lower crime rates! So, where can we get native trees and how do we grow them?

‘The very best thing you can do is to grow your own. See what already grows well in your area and collect seeds from the best of those trees,’ the Native Woodlands Trust advise.

‘Native trees will grow far more quickly than many people imagine and trees grown from seed will often overtake those that are planted when a few years old.

‘If you want to buy small trees cheaply, especially in large numbers – check out nonesohardy.ie – they are one of the few nurseries which grow many of their native trees from seed that was actually collected in Ireland, so you can get genuine Irish native trees.’

pictured at the Schweppes Sessions at All Together Now, where festival goers sipped on expertly crafted cocktails and enjoyed live music from a range of Irish bands and DJs. Photo: Anthony Woods.

If it’s wildlife you’re after in your garden, Jim will fill you with hope as he recounted: ‘A couple in England planted a small garden in a housing estate completely full of flowers and plants to attract insects.’

‘Within a few years they had discovered several species new to the country and even a few previously unknown to science!’

‘One of the best things you can do – even in a small space, is to allow it to grow wild. While we often think about planting flowers for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, what is often forgotten is that some of them need genuinely wild uncultivated spaces.’

‘For instance, several of our most beautiful butterflies need nettles for their caterpillars to feed on.’

Pic: Shutterstock

‘Plant food-plants – trees and bushes that produce berries and seeds, flowering plants for pollinators, and try to leave at least a small area unkempt and left to its own devices.’

‘If you have the space – a pond or water feature is great for an extra dimension and will be used by insects, birds and may even attract frogs and newts,’ he stated.

If you’re squeezed for space but would still like to know you’ve contributed to the sustainment of Ireland’s forests grow a tree with the Native Woodlands Trust by clicking here.